See the 2008 Missouri Master Farmers.

Farmers work every day for better, more efficient methods of raising crops and livestock. The Missouri Master Farmer Award program recognizes the top-notch producers in the state by awarding four individuals a $1,000 cash prize and industry-wide recognition.

Coordinators of the award program are Missouri Ruralist magazine and University of Missouri Extension, with support from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Gold sponsor, FCS Financial, funds the awards and educational program.

The Master Farmer Award program is created for all Missourians involved in agriculture – crop farmers, livestock producers, vegetable and fruit growers, tree farmers and vineyard owners. The judging committees will be looking for the best managers with innovative ideas, sound business skills, financial recordkeeping, soil and water conservation practices, agricultural leadership, and community service.

Winners are treated to an awards banquet and educational roundtable discussion with representatives from Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow (ALOT), young farmer groups, FFA and 4-H. The long-range goal of the Master Farmer Program is to build a Master-Young Farmer mentoring program.

The nomination deadline is July 1, 2009. An application is available in pdf or Word doc format on this Web site. Web links and nomination forms also are available at MU Extension Centers and at FCS Financial offices throughout the state, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture in Jefferson City.

Send applications to:
Missouri Master Farmer
220 Mumford Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211

Award recipients will be notified in September.
If you have questions about the process, contact Ron Plain at 573-882-0134; plainr@missouri.edu or Jerilyn Johnson, Missouri Ruralist editor, at 816-586-5555; jjohnson@farmprogress.com

Use the links to the left under Resources to apply.